"I'M NOT GIVING RADIO 40K!" 21 SAVAGE EXPOSES RADIO PAYOLA, STREAMING SCAMS & HOW THE GAME IS RIGGED

In this past clip from My Expert Opinion Ep. #114, 21 Savage sits down with Math Hoffa to discuss the business side of his meteoric rise, challenging long-held industry norms. 21 Savage confirms his early success was "organic," detailing how he earned three platinum singles and a Gold album before ever signing a major deal. He reveals he took a strong stance against music industry payola, stating: "I'm not finna go give radio $40,000" for plays, highlighting that his success was built on merit and "relationship-based" connections, a philosophy Math Hoffa calls an anomaly for a Down South artist. His independent success gave him the leverage to dictate terms with majors, and the conversation closes by diving into the controversial topic of stream theft, with Math Hoffa challenging 21 Savage on the industry practice of labels allegedly taking up to 81% of an artist's streaming revenue in back-door deals.